This report analyzes the factors involved in reviewing benefits and services of employer-sponsored group long-term disability plans for higher education institutions. Opening sections describe the evolution of disability insurance and its shape today. Further sections looks at the complex nature of "value" within a plan, relationship between plan design and cost, and components of plan design including benefit level, waiting periods, length of elimination period, definitions of disability, partial disability, preexisting conditions, duration of benefits, annual benefit increase, conversion privilege, survivor income benefit, and annuity premium benefits. A section on asking insurers unanswered questions about plan provisions mentions several questions to consider and outlines key areas to explore in a proposal review. Further sections review the process whereby costs are determined between the insurer's actuarial department and other parts of the process, discuss cost comparisons and questions, and raise important issues of financial stability. (JB)